Beautiful gift bags, ribbons and bows – it is the day of your party and the guests are showing up at the door with … presents! As a guest at many parties (birthdays, showers etc.), I am often surprised at how badly gift reception is handled. These tips are important for any type of party where gifts are brought. I have written this page to help you demonstrate to your guests that you value their friendship by how you treat their gifts to you.

After the usual greetings at the door as your guest arrives, it nice to say something complimentary when you receive their parcel – comment on how prettily it is wrapped, or at least say a simple “Thank you!” Good manners are never out of place. Receive the gift and place it in a visible, central location (a special place on a table for example) to keep the gifts organized in one spot and to emphasize that you appreciate the thoughtfulness this gift represents. I have been to parties where the gift bags have just been tossed in the room somewhere or left at the door. It doesn’t show me that what I have brought is appreciated at all. Young children especially may be reluctant to hand you the parcel. If this is the case, let them take the gift themselves to the spot you have reserved for all of the presents. When they see the other parcels, they will understand that you are not taking the gift away.

Secondly, I feel it is important to open the gifts while your guests are still at the party. I have taken my children to parties where the gifts are collected and not opened while the guests are there. This is disappointing for your guests because they do not get to enjoy the recipient’s reaction to their gift. While gifts are being opened by your child, do stay in the room and be an active participant while the gifts are opened, adding positive comments without “taking over the show”.

If a gift received is a modest one, this is a great opportunity for your child to learn the value of gifts for their expression of friendship rather than for how much they cost the purchaser. These are wonderful moments to be an excellent role model to your child – make a genuine comment on how lovely this gift is as well. (Here’s an example: at one party, the gift received by my daughter was a bag of sour gummie worms, the cost of such a gift, perhaps a dollar or two. But a genuine reply – “Those are Rachel’s favourite candy, that’s very thoughtful!”)

I realize you may have invited kids to the party who you know (due to family circumstances or for whatever reason) do not have enough money to bring a present. But remember, never make a child feel bad about not bringing a gift – give them the gift of understanding in return. Use your intuition and common sense.